Loretta Ann Ames

Birth: December 9, 1934 | Died: January 6, 2025

Loretta Ann Ames, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025 at her home in Anaheim, California.

Loretta was born December 9, 1934 in Marshall, Texas, the only child of Ed and Clara (Henley) Shelton. When she was a teenager, her family moved to Southern California, where her father owned and operated a shoe repair shop. The family moved back to Greenville, Texas in 1952, where Loretta completed her senior year of high school. She attended college at East Texas State College, studying Elementary Education. There she met and began dating Jerry Ames. Loretta and Jerry were married on June 28, 1955 in Greenville, Texas. Jerry soon enlisted in the Army, which took them to posts in New Jersey and Arizona. After military service, and a short time living in Tucson, AZ, they made their home in Southern California, where they would reside for the rest of their lives.

Loretta loved being a stay-at-home mom to raise her children. She enjoyed reading, watching movies, listening to old music like Elvis Presley, dining out with friends, spoiling her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, and doting on her beloved dog, Kelly. She learned to paint landscapes, several of which adorned her home. All who knew her will miss her greatly.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry and her daughter, Lauri. She is survived by her two sons: Jeff (Norma) and Scott (Suzy); five grandchildren: Melissa, Justin, Kimberly, Amanda, and Ryan; two great-grandchildren: Jackson and Omateo.

A graveside service will be held for Loretta on Friday, February 7th at 11:30 AM at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518, where she will be interred with her husband.